Black Grouse Breed in the North York Moors for the First Time in Nearly 200 Years

Black grouse, one of the UK’s rarest birds, have successfully bred in the North York Moors after being reintroduced last autumn. Researchers believe this is the first time in almost two centuries that the species has nested and fledged chicks in the area.

The Black Grouse Range Expansion Project, led by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) and funded by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme, saw 20 birds translocated from the North Pennines. Eight males and eight females were fitted with radio tags to monitor survival and breeding. By spring, seven males had established leks in the release area and all seven females nested. Five nests hatched, with four going on to raise a total of 12 chicks.

Dr Phil Warren of GWCT described the outcome as a major step forward, showing the birds had settled well and could thrive. Further releases are planned this autumn to strengthen the new population and establish a self-sustaining foothold in the Moors.

The project has been possible thanks to collaboration between donor estates in the North Pennines, where the birds were sourced, and keepers and land managers in the North York Moors, who have created and protected suitable habitats. Predator control and vegetation management, carried out year-round by gamekeepers, were highlighted as crucial to the success of the birds.

Once widespread across England, black grouse are now a Red List species largely confined to the North Pennines. Around 96% of the remaining population lives on the edges of grouse moors. The North York Moors were chosen for reintroduction after significant habitat restoration, including the removal of conifers and the return of heather, bilberry and cotton grass. Researchers believe the area’s drier, warmer climate may also support higher breeding success.

With further translocations planned and continuing support from moorland managers, the project offers real hope that black grouse can once again become a thriving feature of the North York Moors landscape.

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